Adelaide Fringe will create a spectacular corridor of light connecting the city’s eastern parklands to the Riverbank precinct during next year’s festival.

The Parade of Light will transform both sides of North Terrace with buildings serving as canvases for an array of magnificent light projections.

The Parade of Light will include the spectacular luminous outdoor light show, Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights is known as one of the most spectacular natural sights in the world and the Fringe is bringing it to North Terrace with lasers and haze.

The cultural boulevard will be a hive of activity and provide artists with a designated public space to interact with audiences across all 31 nights of the Fringe.

Adelaide Fringe’s opening celebrations have evolved over the years, from a street party in Hindley Street to an afternoon parade on Rundle Street, to a night time parade along King William Street and North Terrace.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said this exciting new initiative would see the parade format reinvented for next year’s festival into 31 nights of spectacular projections and a street party.

“The Fringe opening ceremony, led by Karl Telfer, will lead into the switching on of the projections. North Terrace forecourts will come alive with Fringe artists performing in a big street party celebration. The Parade of Light will activate North Terrace every night of the Fringe, providing a colourful corridor as people promenade from the East End to the Riverbank precinct!” Ms Croall said.

The cultural institutions that will be illuminated include the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.

Adelaide Fringe Chair David Minear said the festival was known for the way it transformed the city into an artistic wonderland and the Parade of Light would take this to even greater heights.

“It’s going to be absolutely magical. The projections and activations along the boulevard for the month-long festival season will give audiences plenty to enjoy and explore as they walk between Fringe shows,” Mr Minear said.

Meanwhile, Gluttony Director Daniel Michael said: “When I heard the fringe parade was being replaced with a light installation between the East End and the Riverbank I was so pleased. The parade is vulnerable to weather as it’s only at a particular time and night. Having something that lasts the whole festival means everyone can have a chance to enjoy it at a time of their choosing. Bravo!”

Art Gallery of SA Director Nick Mitzevich said: “In 2016 we were thrilled to work closely with the Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide artist Tom Moore to transform the Gallery building into an illuminate glass sculpture. We’re looking forward to 2018 and to taking art and light to a whole new level.”